Segment:
Mid-size sedan and wagon.
Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, professional mechanics.
Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mazda Mazda6, Nissan Altima.
Standard AWD:
Subaru's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system offered on most variants.
Engine Options:
Horizontally opposed ('boxer') engines for a lower center of gravity.
Body Styles:
Available in both sedan (BL) and wagon (BP) body styles.
Engine:
2.5L Naturally Aspirated EJ25, 2.5L Turbocharged EJ255 (GT models)
Transmission:
4-Speed Automatic (4EAT), 5-Speed Manual
Drivetrain:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, differentials, axles, driveshafts.
Suspension:
Front MacPherson struts, Rear multi-link independent suspension, sway bars, bushings.
Brakes:
Front ventilated discs, Rear solid discs (standard), ABS system.
Steering:
Hydraulic power steering system.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection, fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, fuel tank.
Cooling System:
Radiator, thermostat, water pump, coolant hoses, fan system.
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter, mufflers, exhaust pipes, oxygen sensors.
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter, ignition system, lighting, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays.
Climate Control:
HVAC system, A/C compressor, refrigerant, heater core, blower motor.
Body And Interior:
Exterior lighting, interior lighting, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors).
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, OBD-II diagnostic codes, specific system diagnostics.
Repair:
Engine mechanical repair, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair.
Adjustments:
Wheel alignment procedures, parking brake adjustment, throttle cable adjustment.
Disassembly Assembly:
Step-by-step instructions for removing and installing major components and sub-assemblies.
Depth:
In-depth technical specifications, repair procedures, diagnostic information, torque values, tolerances, and wiring diagrams.
Engine Code 1:
EJ253 (2.5i, 2.5i AWD)
Displacement 1:
2.5 Liters (2498 cc)
Configuration 1:
Naturally Aspirated, Horizontally Opposed 4-Cylinder (Boxer)
Horsepower 1:
165 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque 1:
166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel System 1:
Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine Code 2:
EJ255 (GT, GT Limited)
Displacement 2:
2.5 Liters (2457 cc)
Configuration 2:
Turbocharged, Horizontally Opposed 4-Cylinder (Boxer)
Horsepower 2:
210 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque 2:
235 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Fuel System 2:
Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI) with Turbocharger
ECU:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) with diagnostic capabilities.
Emissions:
California Emission Standards (LEV), Federal Emission Standards (ULEV/PZEV).
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard.
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) available on some models.
Electronic Stability:
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) available on some models.
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags (optional).
Seatbelts:
Pretensioner seatbelts with force limiters.
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first) under normal driving conditions; consult manual for severe conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Platinum-tipped: 100,000 miles. Iridium-tipped: 105,000 miles (check specific engine and plug type).
Coolant Flush:
Initial: 30,000 miles or 24 months. Subsequent: 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic: 30,000 miles (severe duty) or 60,000 miles (normal duty). Manual: Inspect periodically, change as needed.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30, API Certified.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.8 U.S. quarts (with filter) for EJ253, 5.0 U.S. quarts (with filter) for EJ255.
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent phosphate-free ethylene glycol-based coolant.
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
Subaru ATF HP or DEXRON III/MERCON compatible fluid.
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 gear oil.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Head Gaskets:
While the EJ253 generally improved, earlier EJ25s could be prone to head gasket failure; inspection recommended.
Catalytic Converter:
Can become clogged over time, affecting performance and emissions.
Suspension Bushings:
Wear can lead to noise and degraded handling.
Oxygen Sensors:
Can fail, leading to check engine lights and poor fuel economy.
Brand Focus:
Subaru is known for its horizontally opposed 'boxer' engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems, often associated with rally racing and outdoor lifestyles.
Generation:
Third Generation (2000-2004).
Design Philosophy:
A significant redesign from the previous generation, featuring a more modern and rounded aesthetic.
Key Updates For 2003:
Introduction of the turbocharged GT model with the EJ255 engine and 5-speed manual, along with the 4-speed automatic with Active AWD.
Manufacturing Location:
Ota City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan.